Few cars capture the pure joy of driving like the Mazda MX-5. For decades, it has been the benchmark for lightweight, affordable sports cars that blend sharp handling, open-top thrills, and everyday usability. As the world increasingly shifts toward SUVs and electrification, the MX-5 remains a rare gem — a car built purely for fun.
The 2025 Mazda MX-5 arrives in Australia with subtle but meaningful updates. Mazda has refined its styling, tweaked the suspension for sharper dynamics, and updated the interior technology to keep it relevant in today’s market. Importantly, it continues to stick to its winning formula: lightweight construction, rear-wheel drive, and a naturally aspirated petrol engine.
In this deep dive, we’ll explore every aspect of the 2025 MX-5 — from performance and design to ownership costs and how it stacks up against rivals — to see if it still deserves its place as Australia’s favourite convertible sports car.
Design and Styling
Mazda has resisted the temptation to over-style the MX-5, and the 2025 model retains the sleek, compact look enthusiasts love. The proportions are spot-on: long bonnet, short overhangs, and a cabin set far back to emphasise its rear-wheel-drive layout.
The front fascia receives subtle tweaks with slimmer LED headlights and a sharper grille. New wheel designs and fresh paint options, including a striking Zircon Sand Metallic and Mazda’s iconic Soul Red Crystal, help modernise its look without losing its heritage.
From the side profile, the MX-5’s compactness is immediately apparent. In an era of bloated vehicles, it feels refreshingly small. The 2025 model continues to offer both soft-top roadster and RF (Retractable Fastback) hardtop versions. The RF adds a coupe-like roofline with the convenience of an electrically folding targa roof.
At the rear, revised LED taillights give a more premium feel, while twin exhaust outlets remind you this is a true sports car. It’s timeless, elegant, and playful — exactly what a convertible should be.
Interior and Comfort
Stepping inside, the MX-5 2025 balances simplicity with modern touches. The driver-focused cabin keeps distractions to a minimum, with controls laid out intuitively.
The latest 8.8-inch infotainment screen replaces the older, smaller display, now offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Mazda has also upgraded materials around the dashboard and door trims, making it feel more upscale than before.
Seating remains tight but comfortable. The low-slung driving position is perfect for enthusiasts, with the gear lever, steering wheel, and pedals positioned for precision driving. Tall drivers may still find the cabin snug, but that’s part of the MX-5’s compact charm.
Practicality is not its strong suit — boot space is just 130 litres in the soft-top and 127 litres in the RF. Enough for a couple of weekend bags, but don’t expect SUV levels of cargo room. Mazda hasn’t pretended it’s anything other than a two-seater fun machine.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
The magic of the MX-5 has always been in how it drives, and the 2025 model refines this formula.
Engine and Power
Under the bonnet sits a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine, producing 135kW and 205Nm. Power figures aren’t headline-grabbing, but in a car weighing just over a tonne, it’s more than enough. The MX-5 thrives on revs, encouraging you to wring it out to its 7000rpm redline.
Transmission options include a slick 6-speed manual or a smooth 6-speed automatic. Purists will gravitate toward the manual, which remains one of the best gearboxes in the business with short, mechanical shifts. The automatic, however, is well-calibrated and makes the MX-5 more accessible for urban buyers.
Handling
Mazda engineers have fine-tuned the suspension for 2025, introducing new steering software and slight geometry changes. The result is sharper turn-in and improved stability mid-corner. Combined with near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution, the MX-5 feels alive on winding roads.
The electric power steering is light but direct, feeding you confidence through every bend. Body roll is minimal, and the car’s balance means it can be pushed hard without feeling intimidating. It’s a sports car that flatters both novices and seasoned drivers.
Ride Comfort
Despite its sporty intent, the MX-5 rides surprisingly well. On Australia’s imperfect roads, it soaks up bumps better than expected for such a small, low-slung car. The softer sidewalls of its tyres contribute to this, making it liveable for daily use.
Technology and Features
Mazda has gradually modernised the MX-5’s technology without overloading it with unnecessary gadgets.
Key highlights include:
- 8.8-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Premium Bose audio system (available on higher trims)
- Keyless entry and push-button start
- Adaptive cruise control (manual and auto)
- Lane departure warning and blind-spot monitoring
- Traffic sign recognition
Safety has been a growing priority for Mazda. The 2025 MX-5 now comes with a more advanced suite of driver-assist technologies, giving buyers peace of mind without diluting the raw driving experience.
Variants and Pricing in Australia
The 2025 Mazda MX-5 is offered in several trims, catering to different tastes and budgets:
- Roadster (Soft-Top, Manual/Auto) – entry-level fun, pure open-air thrills.
- Roadster GT – adds premium features such as leather trim, Bose audio, and advanced safety.
- RF (Retractable Fastback) – offers the coupe-like look with an electrically folding hardtop.
- RF GT – combines top-tier equipment with the hardtop’s style.
Australian pricing for the 2025 MX-5 is expected to start around $42,000 before on-road costs for the Roadster, climbing toward $56,000 for the fully loaded RF GT. While not cheap, it undercuts rivals like the BMW Z4 and Audi TT by a significant margin, making it one of the most affordable true sports cars on the market.
Fuel Economy and Running Costs
Despite its sporty performance, the MX-5 remains affordable to run. Mazda claims fuel consumption of around 6.9L/100km (manual) and 7.1L/100km (automatic). Real-world figures may creep higher if you’re heavy on the throttle, but it’s still very economical compared to turbocharged sports cars.
Servicing costs remain reasonable thanks to Mazda’s capped-price service program in Australia. Insurance premiums will vary, but being a small-capacity four-cylinder convertible, it’s generally more affordable to insure than high-powered sports cars.
How It Compares to Rivals
The MX-5’s closest competitors are dwindling as affordable sports cars become rare.
- Toyota GR86/Subaru BRZ – Both offer more space and power, but they aren’t convertibles. Enthusiasts wanting a coupe may prefer them, but the MX-5 remains the choice for open-top fun.
- BMW Z4 – Far more expensive, with turbocharged engines and a premium badge. Faster, but heavier and less pure in its handling.
- Audi TT (discontinued soon) – Stylish but nearing the end of its lifecycle, leaving the MX-5 as one of the last small convertibles standing.
In many ways, the MX-5 stands alone in the market. It offers an experience few other cars can match without spending significantly more.
Everyday Usability
While it’s easy to dismiss the MX-5 as a weekend toy, many owners happily daily-drive them. Its small size makes city driving and parking a breeze, while the fuel efficiency helps with running costs.
The convertible roof (manual soft-top or automatic RF hardtop) can be operated quickly and easily, making it ideal for spur-of-the-moment open-air drives. Noise levels with the roof up are higher than in a coupe, but still manageable.
The lack of rear seats and limited boot space are the only real compromises. For those with families, it won’t work as the primary car, but as a second car or fun daily for singles and couples, it’s more than practical enough.
Ownership and Reliability
Mazda has built a reputation for reliability, and the MX-5 is no exception. Previous generations have proven durable with proper maintenance, and the naturally aspirated engine avoids the complexity of turbocharging.
The 2025 model comes with Mazda’s 5-year/unlimited kilometre warranty in Australia, providing peace of mind. Owners can also expect strong resale value, as the MX-5 remains a highly desirable sports car on the used market.
Verdict: Why the 2025 MX-5 Still Matters
In 2025, the Mazda MX-5 continues to prove why it’s one of the greatest sports cars of all time. It doesn’t chase horsepower wars or bloated dimensions. Instead, it delivers pure driving joy in a compact, affordable, and beautifully balanced package.
For Australians who crave a fun convertible sports car that blends everyday usability with weekend thrills, the MX-5 is hard to beat. It’s a reminder that driving can still be about fun, connection, and emotion — not just technology and numbers.
The 2025 update ensures the MX-5 stays fresh while staying true to its DNA. For enthusiasts, it remains the ultimate affordable sports car in Australia.
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